Mercy College Volleyball Preview
Another chapter will be written for the Mercy College volleyball program, one which figures to be full of excitement. With a wealth of talented newcomers joining a central core of returning veterans, combining with a new coaching staff, the 2010 season is ripe with high expectations.
A new coaching staff means a new start for a team that posted a 4-24 record a year ago. “We’re working hard,” said first-year head coach Alan Clements. “We’re positive and upbeat. We’re ready to show people that things have changed here at Mercy.”
The team features a young roster, with four freshmen and five sophomores. As the younger players mature and become more comfortable with the level of collegiate play, the Mavericks will become more formidable as the season progresses. There is much more depth defensively, with a front row of talented hitters to score points.
Leading the attack will be newcomer Nicolette Gebhardt, a freshman hitter from Middletown, N.Y. A talented athlete, her ability to put the ball down and score points will be critical to the team’s success. Her intensity helps her make her teammates better.
Another strong hitter will be Bridgette Pennelle, a junior from Hawthorne, N.Y. She excels at doing the grunt work that needs to be done. A hard worker, she adds solid play from both the front and back rows.
Syntia Malicka is another freshman who will see a lot of playing time. A strong all-around player, she will add depth in both the front and back rows. Najja Beaulieu-Hains, who comes to Mercy from Waldorf, Md., via Germany, has a lot of raw talent, and looks to develop into a strong player. Sophomore Crasheena Ward will also vie for court time.
Also ready to see significant play are Nicole Pepe, a freshman, and Kassy Phillips, a sophomore. Both are strong two-way players, who offer solid, consistent play on the court. Jaclyn Krauss, a junior, also fills this role, and will see plenty of action.
Perhaps the team’s top setter is Rebecca Lynch, a sophomore From Oceanside, N.Y. Her knowledge of the game and ability to read game play make her a valuable asset. It will be her job to feed the heavy hitters up front.
Defensively, the team is incredibly deep. Top defensive specialists include a core of sophomores, including Carolina Abreu, Alex Oakes, and Marissa Hurley. Mirlusca Montes, a senior, provides veteran leadership to the unit, while newcomer Kai Devers is ready to fill in when needed.
“The best six [student-athletes] will play,” added Coach Clements. “Our depth will allow us to be flexible. The team will continuously push each other, and we’ll get better and better throughout the season.”
Playing in the highly competitive East Coast Conference, the top three teams (Bridgeport, Dowling, C.W. Post) seem to have locks into the four-team post-season conference tournament. That fourth spot will be contested by the four remaining teams.
“We have scheduled non-conference teams that are like us,” Clements continued. “We’ll get our feet wet, and be competitive. Hopefully, we’ll build some confidence, and be ready for the conference schedule.
“There is a lot of opportunity for playing time. They’ll compete, and we’ll unify as a team,” Clements concluded. “We’ll be entertaining.”
The Mavericks open the regular season by hosting a tri-match with St. Anselm and Goldey-Beacom on Saturday, September 4. The ECC opener is against Dowling on September 23.
